26 Groups Urge Congress to Reject Aviation User Fees

Twenty-six aviation and labor associations representing virtually the entire U.S. aviation industry now “strongly oppose new or increased taxes and fees on aviation as part of the White House proposal to address the nation’s deficit and jobs crisis.” On Monday, President Obama proposed a $100 per-flight tax for turbine aircraft flying on IFR flight plans and called to reduce depreciation allowances for business jets, which combined would increase government revenue by some $15.6 billion over 10 years. Yesterday, the 26 groups sent a joint letter to the leadership in the House and Senate, as well as the 12 congressman on the “Super Committee” charged with finding deficit-reduction solutions, that urges them to reject “adding fees and taxes onto an industry that represents more than 5.6 percent of the nation’s GDP and supports 11 million jobs.” NBAA took an early stand against the new taxes and said it is “pleased to join with dozens of other major aviation groups in a strong showing of united opposition to more fees.” According to NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen, “We will continue to urge the President to stop singling out general aviation for punitive treatment, given that our industry is a major driver of economic growth and job creation in America.”